Salute to fallen soldiers

Memorial Day weekend. It often marks the beginning of summer, with warm weather perfect for backyard barbecues and leisurely floats down the Sacramento River. Big-box stores celebrate with sales advertised with red, white and blue flags and balloons. And on Monday, much of America stops to take a break—from school, work, everything. We sleep in. We prep the ’cue. We enjoy life.

That is all as it should be. We should sit back and appreciate our families, friends and, especially, our freedoms. What often gets lost in the shuffle, in all the ads for discounted laptops and American flag tablecloths, is why we’re celebrating.

Memorial Day was established, albeit under the name Decoration Day, in 1868 to honor and remember the fallen soldiers of the American Civil War. That sentiment has continued and today we take the day off work and school as a tribute to all U.S. military personnel who have given their lives for our country, for us.

So, whatever your plans this Memorial Day weekend, and regardless of your feelings on war or military policy, we encourage you to take at least a moment to reflect on the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our way of life. And say a silent—or a very vocal—thank you to the ones who are no longer with us.

The CN&R salutes America’s fallen soldiers and the families and friends they left behind. Without their sacrifices, we might not have the freedom to print this free, independent newspaper.